The Knowledge!

[Fred.Rowe]

When reading new threads, over time, you notice the same questions over and over. At first you say to yourself " they should know something that basic, shouldn't they? Well no! They are trying to acquire the knowledge.

If an individual spends enough time, at his craft and listens, sorts and then experiments with his acquired knowledge, he will develop a "Feel" for forging; what most, refer to as intuitive knife making. But people do not come hardwired with the knowledge. It is hard earned over time, with lots of reading, posting and talking, with people who enjoy sharing that knowledge.

If you are a maker that has spent years developing his craft and your motions in the smithy are fluid, unhurried and ordered, it almost seems intuitive, like your hardwired, all that acquired knowledge at your disposal.

Remember back when you knew little about steels and what, happens to them when you heat and cool them?

Even though I have been doing this full time for almost ten years, I am still learning; daily!

So to those of you who are just starting out; ask that question.

To those who share their knowledge, both intuitive and technical, Keep it coming. People do want to learn.


Knowledge is power, rite? Fred

 

[Sam Salvati]

:thumbup:

Well said Fred.

 

[sharpeknives]

:thumbup:Thats how we learn.

 

[KnifeHead]

AMEN Fred!

It was the knowlegeable and sharing guys in this forum that fueled my interest in knifemaking. For the old timers it must get old hearing the same questions over and over but yet ya'll don't give up and still share your passion of knifemaking with noobs. :thumbup:

New guys do bear some responsibility to at least do some research though. The newbie sticky up top is very informative and there are even books, but you have to read them....bummer.

 

[v-6]

bravo Fred well said.
vern

 

[Any Cal.]

Intuition is simply the direction of knowledge that you have, or guesses based on things you have learned. A person has to learn a certain amount before they can count on their intuition. That being said, the more you know, the more that you can trust your gut on. Intuition w/out knowledge is simply stupidity.

 

[C L Wilkins]

This place, and a number of friends, led me down the path of righteousness. Bob Engnath's site for one, is very, very good. A well thought out explanation, especially to the new guy just getting started.

Heck, we are all in pursuit of the "best" steel. Sadly, there is no simple answer. Isn't this most usually the first question? Next we are looking for the best grinder for under $100... or the drill press or the metal cutting bandsaw. We all have been there... How to keep grindlines even... If a RR track piece will make a decent anvil... Forging vs. stock removal...

Books...
Hrisoulas' "Introduction to Bladesmithing", Barney and Loveless' book, "The 50 Dollar Knife Shop", Boye's book...it just goes on and on. All good resources.

Bruce Evans tutorials...Terry Primos' on solderless guards. (Terry, I miss your lessons and your knives, pal.)

Yes Fred, the knowledge. AND the friendships along the way...

Craig

 

[Barkes Knife Shop]

Good Knowledge and well said Fred. ---------:thumbup:

 

[Dan Pierson]

Well said Fred. I'm a comparative newbie here but try to take some of the load of the real experts by answering questions when I can.

 

[Sharp_newbie]

well said. and thanks for being understanding. this thread has become a how to for me and is helping a lot more than trying to "wing it"

so thanks